Politicians in Ceredigion have reiterated the fact that lockdown rules remain in place - despite an easing in England.

Ceredigion County Council say the next three weeks are crucial in fighting coronavirus in the county and is reminding people to stay at home.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: "So far, Ceredigion residents have done a great job to keep the number of coronavirus cases low in the county, by staying home and following the guidelines.

"In line with the guidance announced on Friday by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, the lockdown will remain in Wales. People must continue to stay at home, keep a 2m social distance from others, and wash their hands frequently for 20 seconds. A minor amendment includes allowing people to exercise more than once daily, but this must be done locally, without any unnecessary travel.

"The lockdown restrictions differ slightly across the four nations of the UK, depending on the rate of infection. Therefore, it is crucial that people do not travel across the border into Wales to exercise, and fines will continue to be authorized for any non-essential travel.

"At this time, we’re at our most vulnerable and the next three weeks are crucial for Ceredigion. Ceredigion has the highest percentage of elderly population in Wales and we must continue to work together to protect them. The low infection rates are a result of the massive efforts made by Ceredigion residents. However, due to these low rates, we’ve got limited resilience which makes us all vulnerable.

"By recognising the instruction that the lockdown will continue in Wales, over the next three weeks, libraries and household waste sites in Ceredigion will remain closed.

"If we can keep doing what we’ve been doing so far, we’ll hopefully be able to ride the wave and continue to protect the residents of Ceredigion.

"But we need everyone’s help in doing so. Thank you for staying home, only going out if it’s essential. This will ensure that all the good work won’t be undone.

"Therefore, the message remains: stay home, save lives.”

Ceredigion’s representatives at the Senedd and in Westminster, Elin Jones MS and Ben Lake MP, echoed the call, writing a message of support for people in Ceredigion, highlighting that the lockdown rules in Wales will remain in place for at least another three weeks.

There has been much confusion over lockdown rules seemed to be relaxed by the Prime Minister in his televised address on Sunday.

In a message released on social media today (Monday), Mr Lake and Ms Jones reminded constituents of the lockdown rules that are still in place, thanking constituents for their patience and compassion to each other.

Mr Lake said: “We are now entering week eight of movement restrictions due to Covid-19. The message remains the same in Ceredigion and in Wales – stay home, save lives and protect the NHS. There will be no change in this here for at least three weeks.

“As your representatives, we have been working to ensure that plans are in place to help secure the incomes for constituents and businesses. There is still more to do, with many still to receive financial support and many people still worrying about the future.

“Thank you to everyone for sticking to the lockdown rules, and for the compassion shown to each other. Thank you especially to the NHS workers, public sector workers and key workers. We are indebted to you.”

Ms Jones MS added: “We know that these restrictions are tough - they are keeping families and friends apart from each other and they are creating all sorts of problems for businesses. But as the virus continues to spread, and people continue to die, we must continue with strict movement restrictions.

“Stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS. And remember, we will get through this together.”